The greeting was entirely informal. Courtney was no stranger to
Valeria, and had met the King frequently during the last ten years.
Frederick came forward and shook his hand most cordially and welcomed
him to Court. It was like the meeting of two friends. During it I had
time to observe the King.
He wore the green uniform of a General, with the Jewel of the Order of
the Lion around his neck. His sixty odd years sat very lightly and
left no mark save in the facial wrinkles and grey hair. He was a true
Dalberg in height and general appearance, and with the strong, straight
nose that was as distinctive to our family as was the beak to the
Bourbons.
I had remained in the background during Courtney's greeting, but, when
he turned and presented me, I advanced and bowed. As I straightened,
the King extended his hand saying:
"We are glad to----"
Then he caught a full view of my face and stopped, staring. I dropped
his hand and stepped back; and, for a space, no one moved. Only, I
shot a side glance at Courtney and caught a half smile on his lips.
Then Frederick recovered himself.
"Your pardon, sir, but I did not catch the name," he said.
Courtney's finesse saved me the embarrassment of a self-introduction.
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